abookwormwithwine 's review for:

Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson

4.5

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite things in the world, and I am so glad that Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson is the start of a new series! I loved the mix of romance, drama, crime, humor, and serious topics that were all packed into the story, and this could have easily been a one sitting read. Madeline was a great female lead, and she was not only relatable but a little sassy to boot. I also loved the supporting characters in the book, especially Philomena (Phil) and Gloria, and I was surprised by every single whodunnit reveal.

One of the best parts of the book for me besides the humor and fantastic characters ended up being the audiobook, and I would recommend listening over reading with the eyes here. Hallie Bee Bard was nothing but a pleasure to listen to, and I loved her Southern accent and the way she changed her voice for the various characters. There is a dash of romance (because why not), a cantankerous but calming cat, and plenty of small-town gossip and drama. The Victorian mansion and bookstore setting aren’t to be missed either!

Read this if you are a sucker for Southern cozies, mysterious plotlines, and amateur sleuthing.

Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.